Maple Leafs Make Surprising Decision to Waive David Kampf After Scott Laughton Injury

On Friday morning, the Leafs announced that Scott Laughton suffered a lower-body injury in Thursday's pre-season game that would keep him out of action on a week-to-week basis.

In light of the news, David Kampf took to the ice in a white "bottom-six" practice jersey, indicating that he would take Laughton's position on the fourth line.

Kampf has been on the outside looking in since the Leafs acquired Laughton at last year's trade deadline, but many expected him to be Laughton's place-holder until he is healthy again.

A few hours after practice, Kampf found himself being placed on waivers in a surprising move by the Leafs.

Kampf, who has another year left on his current deal with a $2.4M cap hit, has been the subject of trade rumours all summer. With the events of Friday morning, many suspected that Kampf had bought himself some more time before landing on the waiver wire.

While the news comes as a shock, this very well could be a paper transaction and would give the Leafs roster flexibility after he clears tomorrow afternoon. They would be able to keep Kampf on the NHL roster and then freely send him down without him having to clear -- so long as he doesn't play in more than 10 games or is on the roster for 30 consecutive days.

Should Kampf be claimed however, how the Leafs handle the fourth line hole will be something to keep an eye on with speculation gaining traction that the Leafs may opt to give Jacob Quillan an opportunity.